The Minnesota senator, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, appears set to enter a race that has been transformed by President Trump’s immigration crackdown in the state and protests against it.

A source close to Klobuchar called it "a preliminary step necessary for any candidate considering a run."

Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota filed paperwork on Thursday to form a campaign committee to run for governor of her home state, which has become an epicenter of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Democrat U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has filed paperwork to run for governor of Minnesota, positioning herself to succeed Democrat Governor Tim Walz, who announced earlier this month that he will not seek a third term while responding to political attacks from President Donald Trump's administration.

Senator Amy Klobuchar files paperwork for a 2026 gubernatorial run, with a formal campaign announcement expected soon.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar takes first steps toward entering 2026 Minnesota governor race following Tim Walz's stunning exit amid massive fraud scandal fallout and political upheaval.

In the days leading up to Renee Macklin Good's death, the political situation in Minneapolis had turned combustible. Her shooting has exposed how colliding forces set the stage for the ongoing crisis.

The Minnesota senator is poised to enter the race as the heavy favorite to succeed outgoing Governor Tim Walz.

Klobuchar is likely to jump into a race that was upended after Gov. Tim Walz (D) made a surprise announcement this month that he would drop his reelection bid.

The long-serving U.S. senator would be the only Democrat vying for the seat after Gov. Tim Walz decided against seeking a third term.

In December, the Lindell campaign got an unexpected boost when President Donald Trump said he “deserves to be governor” of Minnesota.